"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot
drive out hate; only love can do that."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or the Harry Potter universe. Those belong to J. K. Rowling. Only the plot is mine, and it's an overdone one at that. But it's one of my favorites, so sue me. Er... let me reword that... please DON'T sue me.
Warning: Slash (m/m relationship) will be present in this fic. Also, I won't point out a change in P.O.V. but I believe it is quite obvious who is telling the story at which time.
*still in desperate need of a beta, preferably one who would help me we with the more *ahem* 'heated' scenes to come*
If those of you who showed an interest in becoming my beta would please email me a 500-1000 word scene that you could see occurring in this fic, I'll pick which I like best and whoever wrote it will be my beta. Please send it to me within a week.
The title is a reference to Voldemort's Inner Circle and sorry for the delay in posting, Ch. 4 will be up within a week.
Chapter Three: Will The Circle Be Broken?
1976
"Really Severus," Evan gets out between chuckles "if you had been anymore blunt about Potter's and his pack of Gryffindors' idiocy, I would have started believing you really are as harsh (what Severus means in Latin) as others make you out to be."
Holding a hand over his heart, Severus smirks roguishly "Oh Evan, you wound me!" he declares humorously as he wraps an arm around the shorter boy's shoulders "But really, what were Potter and Black thinking adding powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood? Any first year would know that combining those two ingredients creates the Draught of Living Death – the most powerful of sleeping potions – not a mild sleeping potion."
Evan turns slightly in their friendly embrace to look up at Severus with glittering eyes as he gasps in mock outrage "How dare those dim-witted Gryffindors not know such a simple fact?! And in Potions of all subjects?!" Evan continues with the speech from his first ever class of Potions, that he still remembers word for word; changing something here and there "We can't expect lowly Gryffindors to really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... that we could be taught how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death – they're just a bunch of dunderheads."
Evan bites back a grin at the glazed look in Severus' eyes.
'The man really does love his Potions.' thinks Evan.
As they continue their descent towards the Slytherin Common Room, Evan reflects upon what he has learned of the Slytherins he had once thought of as evil, muggle hating Death Eaters in the few weeks he had been in the past.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lucius Malfoy was still all sharp features and cold indifference to most of the Hogwarts population. Inside the secure confines of the Slytherin dungeons, the change was miniscule, but Evan noticed it. He had been studying the older Slytherins carefully, knowing that they would one day join Voldemort, when he had noticed an unusual dull spark in the recesses of Malfoy's steel eyes.
As he surreptitiously studied Malfoy, he saw a gleam of something... something he couldn't identify at first... when it suddenly struck him. He had seen something similar once; in his second year when he had rescued Ginny Weasley. It was a look of helplessness. A look that spoke of a history of involuntary misdeeds.
In that moment, Evan promised himself that he would not judge any of the future Death Eaters. He promised himself that he would try to understand them; and so his 'Slytherin Studying' – as he had dubbed it – continued.
Evan later noticed that although it was clear Malfoy did not enjoy the things his parents likely forced him to do, he did enjoy the power he gained from it. This fact sustained his hatred of the man Malfoy would one day become as well as his past self. The power Malfoy gained included the hand in marriage of one Narcissa Black. Narcissa was beautiful. Skin as pale as moonlight, deep light blue eyes, hair as golden as the sun – clearly faded in the years to come – and, to his surprise, a sweet smile that could light up the room – only if Slytherins were the only ones present of course.
Now, don't let her gentle features fool you, she has a strong character – which seems to have been broken in her years married to Malfoy – a biting tongue that could nearly rival Severus' and a glare worthy of Mrs. Weasley at her fiercest, 'Most likely when reprimanding the twins' Evan thought fondly and a bit sadly of the surrogate family he had left behind. Evan and Narcissa had become quick friends.
Bellatrix Black was different from her sister Narcissa in nearly everyway possible. Bellatrix was equally as beautiful as Narcissa, but had people not known for a fact that they were sisters, a person would never know. Her looks were more similar to those of Sirius; he had realized this with a pang of pain as well as fury. She had dark brown, nearly black hair, deep dark blue eyes, very lightly tanned skin and a malicious smirk.
Talking with Narcissa would have led him to believe that Bellatrix was as cruel and vindictive as she was because of how demanding their parents were, but he knew better. The woman was naturally a bitch and he knew that she would only become worse with time. He had grown to detest the woman even more than he had formally – if that were even possible. Evan and Bellatrix remained cool and collected amongst the rest of the Hogwarts population, but inside the Slytherin Common Room, they both knew they shared an equal amount of loathing for the other.
Andromeda Black was just as he had expected her to be. Her looks were a combination of those of Narcissa and Bellatrix and she was very friendly. She had light auburn (golden brown, not reddish brown) hair, sky blue eyes, milk white skin and a playful smirk that could rival any of the Marauders'. Narcissa and her got along very well and she always tried to encourage interaction between the two of them and Bellatrix, but Bellatrix would just sneer and walk away.
Most of Slytherin House adored Andromeda and she was even friends with a few Ravenclaws. She probably would have been the first Slytherin since the Founders' time to befriend either a Hufflepuff or a Gryffindor if she hadn't known that her parents would have instantly disinherited her for such 'insolence'. When not in the company of Severus, the students at Hogwarts would most likely see Evan accompanied by either Narcissa or Andromeda.
Regulus Black was a bit of a surprise. He was a year below his brother, Sirius, 'Gods it hurts to be on such bad terms with his godfather' Evan thought painfully, and was the epitome of Slytherin generally, but Evan caught him more than once shooting furtive glances at his brother, that didn't contain even a hint of disdain, it almost seemed as if Regulus were concerned for Sirius.
He was nearly identical to his brother in looks, if perhaps a bit shorter (he is a year younger), and Evan occasionally noticed his smirk becoming more mischievous than spiteful. Evan and Regulus had a tentative friendship, but it seemed to be blossoming.
Rodolphus Lestrange was just as Evan thought he would be, a bit on the insane side. His brother, Rabastan, was equally deranged. Rodolphus and Bellatrix were already involved in a relationship, if that's what one would call sharing malicious glee at someone's pain and snogging, 'Ewww...' Evan had shuddered upon witnessing such a disgusting scene, on occasion.
Rabastan, as the younger of the Lestrange heirs, didn't have as much luck with the ladies, but he seemed content to live vicariously through his brother.
Bartemus Crouch Jr. was just as unhinged as Evan remembered him to be. He was what most would think one of the more 'polite' Slytherins would be like when it came to most of the Hogwarts population – the professors adored him – but when he thought no one was looking, he got this disturbing maniacal gleam in his eye and Evan swears he caught him rubbing his hands together and cackling softly like one of those weird scientists one would see in a Muggle film.
Evan made sure to never turn his back to the Lestranges or Crouch.
Augustus Rookwood reminded Evan a great deal of Lucius Malfoy in manner and of how he once thought Severus was in appearance. He was greasy looking with a long thin scar along his cheek and always managed to have his transgressions blamed on others.
It was no surprise to Evan that this slippery man would one day manage to worm his way into the Ministry and leak whatever information he thought vital to Voldemort. Evan made sure to steer clear of Rookwood, lest he get a detention for just being around the wrong person at the wrong time.
Antonin Dolohov, Mecnair and Jugson were close friends because of their liking to inflict physical – rather than the emotional that most Slytherins inflicted – pain upon anyone who crossed their path. The victims were never fatally hurt so all the trio of Slytherins got as punishment was numerous points deducted from their House and barely a night free of detention. Evan was in no way frightened of them because they never harmed their fellow Slytherins, but he was very wary of them.
This was another group of future Death Eaters that he vowed to never turn his back to.
Crabbe, Goyle, Nott and Avery were just like their namesakes; big, burly and brainless. Had they been sorted into Ravenclaw, they would have studied endlessly and perhaps would have actually earned their passing marks, had they been sorted into Hufflepuff, they would have been as loyal as their small minds would allow them to be, and had they been sorted into Gryffindor, they would have been the most foolhardy of the bunch. In short, the four of them would follow anyone and anything that they thought would earn them acceptance.
Evan pitied them.
Mulciber also reminded Evan of Lucius Malfoy. He was devious, underhanded and an all around arse. He, more than Malfoy, instigated the 'pranks' played upon the other Houses – Gryffindors mostly – and although Evan wholeheartedly agreed with Severus that the Marauders generally went too far with their 'pranks,' Mulciber's were just as – if not more – cruel.
Perhaps Mulciber hadn't noticed, but ever since Evan had arrived, many of his 'pranks' were backfiring. Every time Mulciber entered the dungeons with a clearly frustrated scowl upon his thin face, Evan had to suppress a triumphant smirk.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Evan. Evan. Evan." a lick to my ear brings me out of my thoughts. I jump slightly and stare incredulously at a satisfied looking Severus.
"What on Earth was that for?!" I hiss indignantly as I wipe at my ear – ignoring how pleasant the fleeting touch had felt.
Still looking like the cat that had caught the canary, Severus responds "We've arrived at the Slytherin Common Room entrance. You weren't responding to your name being called, so I decided to try something different."
Mumbling about 'daft greasy gits,' I decide to ignore Severus' comment and turn to the stretch of bare, damp stone wall that is the concealed entryway to the Slytherin Commons to murmur the password, "Purebloods."
I barely breach the entrance when I am knocked back into Severus by what appears to be an overexcited Andromeda Black 'De javu of the Hermione kind' I think a bit torpidly after being rammed into.
"EVAN!" she all but squeals as Severus helps me regain my balance "We have to go to Hogsmeade (7th years are allowed to go every weekend if they are passing every class and are back by curfew) this instant!"
Still slightly dazed, I make a noncommittal sound in the back of my throat as I slowly begin to realize that Severus' arms are still firmly wrapped around my waist and that my head is comfortably resting upon his shoulder.
I pull away slightly and my eyes meet smoky black ones "You can let go of me now, Severus."
A slight pink tint colors his pale cheeks "Are you sure Evan?" he asks me, his voice steady and as silky as ever but with a hint of what seems disappointment.
I shake my head to clear it before replying "Yes."
He releases me and I suddenly feel cold. I shake off the peculiar feeling as I turn back to Andromeda to see her regarding Severus and I with an odd look.
"What?" I ask.
"Nothing." She responds with an odd glint in her eyes before turning around and calling out "CISSA!"
At a far more sedate pace than her sister, Narcissa Black approaches us and gives Severus and I a small but genuine smile before turning to Andromeda with an annoyed look "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" she asks calmly although she's clearly irritated "Now, what do you want?"
"Guy Fawkes Day is next week and I heard some of the Prefects saying there would be a Ball. We absolutely must go buy some new dress robes." Andromeda enthuses.
At this, Narcissa's eyes brighten considerably and she turns back towards Severus and me with a nearly predatory glint in her eyes.
"Uh oh" I glance at Severus in mock horror "Mr. Snape (I know, I know, totally stolen from the Marauders, but Evan is the only second generation Marauder), I do believe we are in trouble."
"I believe you are correct in that assertion, Mr. Daniels" Severus responds.
"What do you suggest, Mr. Snape?" I question.
"I suggest, Mr. Daniels," Severus begins as we both take a couple of discrete steps backwards "that we RUN!"
And run we did. Sadly, we are caught and dragged off to Hogsmeade for hours upon hours of shopping.
Before returning to the school we stop to have supper. There is a photographer going from table to table taking pictures and when he reaches our table, Andromeda insists that the photographer take one picture of the four of us and another of just Severus and me.
Narcissa and I look at her strangely before shrugging while Severus once again blushes lightly. I don't notice this time.
The photographer agrees with a twinkle in his eyes and we give him a galleon each for his trouble.
The girls walk ahead of us arm in arm, occasionally sending us fleeting looks before giggling softly; I sigh internally 'Girls,' while Severus once again has his arm around my shoulders. I lean into him tiredly and he leans his head gently upon mine.
I don't see the content smile upon his lips.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
1996
An older and deceptively greasy Severus Snape traces the face of a young and handsome green eyed wizard in an old picture. He sighs softly, rises from the comfortable leather armchair by the fire and goes to bed.
He sleeps soundly for the first time in many years and with a content smile upon his lips.
Author's Notes (Thank yous): LADY LIGHTNING, ANGELS WHISPER, SHIENINGSTAR, JOSIE DANGER, SOMNIA (twice), SIDDABJR, KAAT SHADOWLOVER, BLUEBIRD161221, ETERNAL COSMOS, GOLDENPAW (aka ataraxis) ~ I like the new pen name. BLUECRYSTAL3, KATIE, PENNY, NERD-GIRL ~ I just realized that you wrote 'The Secret Guardian Angel', I've really enjoyed how your fic has progressed so far. Keep up the good work. ANDROMEDA SNAPE-MALFOY, THE SEVEN PALANTIR, DEB-SAMPSON, NECROMANT ~ Thank you all and an equally amused and mysterious 'perhaps, perhaps not' to all of your questions.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or the Harry Potter universe. Those belong to J. K. Rowling. Only the plot is mine, and it's an overdone one at that. But it's one of my favorites, so sue me. Er... let me reword that... please DON'T sue me.
Warning: Slash (m/m relationship) will be present in this fic. Also, I won't point out a change in P.O.V. but I believe it is quite obvious who is telling the story at which time.
*still in desperate need of a beta, preferably one who would help me we with the more *ahem* 'heated' scenes to come*
If those of you who showed an interest in becoming my beta would please email me a 500-1000 word scene that you could see occurring in this fic, I'll pick which I like best and whoever wrote it will be my beta. Please send it to me within a week.
The title is a reference to Voldemort's Inner Circle and sorry for the delay in posting, Ch. 4 will be up within a week.
Chapter Three: Will The Circle Be Broken?
1976
"Really Severus," Evan gets out between chuckles "if you had been anymore blunt about Potter's and his pack of Gryffindors' idiocy, I would have started believing you really are as harsh (what Severus means in Latin) as others make you out to be."
Holding a hand over his heart, Severus smirks roguishly "Oh Evan, you wound me!" he declares humorously as he wraps an arm around the shorter boy's shoulders "But really, what were Potter and Black thinking adding powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood? Any first year would know that combining those two ingredients creates the Draught of Living Death – the most powerful of sleeping potions – not a mild sleeping potion."
Evan turns slightly in their friendly embrace to look up at Severus with glittering eyes as he gasps in mock outrage "How dare those dim-witted Gryffindors not know such a simple fact?! And in Potions of all subjects?!" Evan continues with the speech from his first ever class of Potions, that he still remembers word for word; changing something here and there "We can't expect lowly Gryffindors to really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... that we could be taught how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death – they're just a bunch of dunderheads."
Evan bites back a grin at the glazed look in Severus' eyes.
'The man really does love his Potions.' thinks Evan.
As they continue their descent towards the Slytherin Common Room, Evan reflects upon what he has learned of the Slytherins he had once thought of as evil, muggle hating Death Eaters in the few weeks he had been in the past.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lucius Malfoy was still all sharp features and cold indifference to most of the Hogwarts population. Inside the secure confines of the Slytherin dungeons, the change was miniscule, but Evan noticed it. He had been studying the older Slytherins carefully, knowing that they would one day join Voldemort, when he had noticed an unusual dull spark in the recesses of Malfoy's steel eyes.
As he surreptitiously studied Malfoy, he saw a gleam of something... something he couldn't identify at first... when it suddenly struck him. He had seen something similar once; in his second year when he had rescued Ginny Weasley. It was a look of helplessness. A look that spoke of a history of involuntary misdeeds.
In that moment, Evan promised himself that he would not judge any of the future Death Eaters. He promised himself that he would try to understand them; and so his 'Slytherin Studying' – as he had dubbed it – continued.
Evan later noticed that although it was clear Malfoy did not enjoy the things his parents likely forced him to do, he did enjoy the power he gained from it. This fact sustained his hatred of the man Malfoy would one day become as well as his past self. The power Malfoy gained included the hand in marriage of one Narcissa Black. Narcissa was beautiful. Skin as pale as moonlight, deep light blue eyes, hair as golden as the sun – clearly faded in the years to come – and, to his surprise, a sweet smile that could light up the room – only if Slytherins were the only ones present of course.
Now, don't let her gentle features fool you, she has a strong character – which seems to have been broken in her years married to Malfoy – a biting tongue that could nearly rival Severus' and a glare worthy of Mrs. Weasley at her fiercest, 'Most likely when reprimanding the twins' Evan thought fondly and a bit sadly of the surrogate family he had left behind. Evan and Narcissa had become quick friends.
Bellatrix Black was different from her sister Narcissa in nearly everyway possible. Bellatrix was equally as beautiful as Narcissa, but had people not known for a fact that they were sisters, a person would never know. Her looks were more similar to those of Sirius; he had realized this with a pang of pain as well as fury. She had dark brown, nearly black hair, deep dark blue eyes, very lightly tanned skin and a malicious smirk.
Talking with Narcissa would have led him to believe that Bellatrix was as cruel and vindictive as she was because of how demanding their parents were, but he knew better. The woman was naturally a bitch and he knew that she would only become worse with time. He had grown to detest the woman even more than he had formally – if that were even possible. Evan and Bellatrix remained cool and collected amongst the rest of the Hogwarts population, but inside the Slytherin Common Room, they both knew they shared an equal amount of loathing for the other.
Andromeda Black was just as he had expected her to be. Her looks were a combination of those of Narcissa and Bellatrix and she was very friendly. She had light auburn (golden brown, not reddish brown) hair, sky blue eyes, milk white skin and a playful smirk that could rival any of the Marauders'. Narcissa and her got along very well and she always tried to encourage interaction between the two of them and Bellatrix, but Bellatrix would just sneer and walk away.
Most of Slytherin House adored Andromeda and she was even friends with a few Ravenclaws. She probably would have been the first Slytherin since the Founders' time to befriend either a Hufflepuff or a Gryffindor if she hadn't known that her parents would have instantly disinherited her for such 'insolence'. When not in the company of Severus, the students at Hogwarts would most likely see Evan accompanied by either Narcissa or Andromeda.
Regulus Black was a bit of a surprise. He was a year below his brother, Sirius, 'Gods it hurts to be on such bad terms with his godfather' Evan thought painfully, and was the epitome of Slytherin generally, but Evan caught him more than once shooting furtive glances at his brother, that didn't contain even a hint of disdain, it almost seemed as if Regulus were concerned for Sirius.
He was nearly identical to his brother in looks, if perhaps a bit shorter (he is a year younger), and Evan occasionally noticed his smirk becoming more mischievous than spiteful. Evan and Regulus had a tentative friendship, but it seemed to be blossoming.
Rodolphus Lestrange was just as Evan thought he would be, a bit on the insane side. His brother, Rabastan, was equally deranged. Rodolphus and Bellatrix were already involved in a relationship, if that's what one would call sharing malicious glee at someone's pain and snogging, 'Ewww...' Evan had shuddered upon witnessing such a disgusting scene, on occasion.
Rabastan, as the younger of the Lestrange heirs, didn't have as much luck with the ladies, but he seemed content to live vicariously through his brother.
Bartemus Crouch Jr. was just as unhinged as Evan remembered him to be. He was what most would think one of the more 'polite' Slytherins would be like when it came to most of the Hogwarts population – the professors adored him – but when he thought no one was looking, he got this disturbing maniacal gleam in his eye and Evan swears he caught him rubbing his hands together and cackling softly like one of those weird scientists one would see in a Muggle film.
Evan made sure to never turn his back to the Lestranges or Crouch.
Augustus Rookwood reminded Evan a great deal of Lucius Malfoy in manner and of how he once thought Severus was in appearance. He was greasy looking with a long thin scar along his cheek and always managed to have his transgressions blamed on others.
It was no surprise to Evan that this slippery man would one day manage to worm his way into the Ministry and leak whatever information he thought vital to Voldemort. Evan made sure to steer clear of Rookwood, lest he get a detention for just being around the wrong person at the wrong time.
Antonin Dolohov, Mecnair and Jugson were close friends because of their liking to inflict physical – rather than the emotional that most Slytherins inflicted – pain upon anyone who crossed their path. The victims were never fatally hurt so all the trio of Slytherins got as punishment was numerous points deducted from their House and barely a night free of detention. Evan was in no way frightened of them because they never harmed their fellow Slytherins, but he was very wary of them.
This was another group of future Death Eaters that he vowed to never turn his back to.
Crabbe, Goyle, Nott and Avery were just like their namesakes; big, burly and brainless. Had they been sorted into Ravenclaw, they would have studied endlessly and perhaps would have actually earned their passing marks, had they been sorted into Hufflepuff, they would have been as loyal as their small minds would allow them to be, and had they been sorted into Gryffindor, they would have been the most foolhardy of the bunch. In short, the four of them would follow anyone and anything that they thought would earn them acceptance.
Evan pitied them.
Mulciber also reminded Evan of Lucius Malfoy. He was devious, underhanded and an all around arse. He, more than Malfoy, instigated the 'pranks' played upon the other Houses – Gryffindors mostly – and although Evan wholeheartedly agreed with Severus that the Marauders generally went too far with their 'pranks,' Mulciber's were just as – if not more – cruel.
Perhaps Mulciber hadn't noticed, but ever since Evan had arrived, many of his 'pranks' were backfiring. Every time Mulciber entered the dungeons with a clearly frustrated scowl upon his thin face, Evan had to suppress a triumphant smirk.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Evan. Evan. Evan." a lick to my ear brings me out of my thoughts. I jump slightly and stare incredulously at a satisfied looking Severus.
"What on Earth was that for?!" I hiss indignantly as I wipe at my ear – ignoring how pleasant the fleeting touch had felt.
Still looking like the cat that had caught the canary, Severus responds "We've arrived at the Slytherin Common Room entrance. You weren't responding to your name being called, so I decided to try something different."
Mumbling about 'daft greasy gits,' I decide to ignore Severus' comment and turn to the stretch of bare, damp stone wall that is the concealed entryway to the Slytherin Commons to murmur the password, "Purebloods."
I barely breach the entrance when I am knocked back into Severus by what appears to be an overexcited Andromeda Black 'De javu of the Hermione kind' I think a bit torpidly after being rammed into.
"EVAN!" she all but squeals as Severus helps me regain my balance "We have to go to Hogsmeade (7th years are allowed to go every weekend if they are passing every class and are back by curfew) this instant!"
Still slightly dazed, I make a noncommittal sound in the back of my throat as I slowly begin to realize that Severus' arms are still firmly wrapped around my waist and that my head is comfortably resting upon his shoulder.
I pull away slightly and my eyes meet smoky black ones "You can let go of me now, Severus."
A slight pink tint colors his pale cheeks "Are you sure Evan?" he asks me, his voice steady and as silky as ever but with a hint of what seems disappointment.
I shake my head to clear it before replying "Yes."
He releases me and I suddenly feel cold. I shake off the peculiar feeling as I turn back to Andromeda to see her regarding Severus and I with an odd look.
"What?" I ask.
"Nothing." She responds with an odd glint in her eyes before turning around and calling out "CISSA!"
At a far more sedate pace than her sister, Narcissa Black approaches us and gives Severus and I a small but genuine smile before turning to Andromeda with an annoyed look "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" she asks calmly although she's clearly irritated "Now, what do you want?"
"Guy Fawkes Day is next week and I heard some of the Prefects saying there would be a Ball. We absolutely must go buy some new dress robes." Andromeda enthuses.
At this, Narcissa's eyes brighten considerably and she turns back towards Severus and me with a nearly predatory glint in her eyes.
"Uh oh" I glance at Severus in mock horror "Mr. Snape (I know, I know, totally stolen from the Marauders, but Evan is the only second generation Marauder), I do believe we are in trouble."
"I believe you are correct in that assertion, Mr. Daniels" Severus responds.
"What do you suggest, Mr. Snape?" I question.
"I suggest, Mr. Daniels," Severus begins as we both take a couple of discrete steps backwards "that we RUN!"
And run we did. Sadly, we are caught and dragged off to Hogsmeade for hours upon hours of shopping.
Before returning to the school we stop to have supper. There is a photographer going from table to table taking pictures and when he reaches our table, Andromeda insists that the photographer take one picture of the four of us and another of just Severus and me.
Narcissa and I look at her strangely before shrugging while Severus once again blushes lightly. I don't notice this time.
The photographer agrees with a twinkle in his eyes and we give him a galleon each for his trouble.
The girls walk ahead of us arm in arm, occasionally sending us fleeting looks before giggling softly; I sigh internally 'Girls,' while Severus once again has his arm around my shoulders. I lean into him tiredly and he leans his head gently upon mine.
I don't see the content smile upon his lips.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
1996
An older and deceptively greasy Severus Snape traces the face of a young and handsome green eyed wizard in an old picture. He sighs softly, rises from the comfortable leather armchair by the fire and goes to bed.
He sleeps soundly for the first time in many years and with a content smile upon his lips.
Author's Notes (Thank yous): LADY LIGHTNING, ANGELS WHISPER, SHIENINGSTAR, JOSIE DANGER, SOMNIA (twice), SIDDABJR, KAAT SHADOWLOVER, BLUEBIRD161221, ETERNAL COSMOS, GOLDENPAW (aka ataraxis) ~ I like the new pen name. BLUECRYSTAL3, KATIE, PENNY, NERD-GIRL ~ I just realized that you wrote 'The Secret Guardian Angel', I've really enjoyed how your fic has progressed so far. Keep up the good work. ANDROMEDA SNAPE-MALFOY, THE SEVEN PALANTIR, DEB-SAMPSON, NECROMANT ~ Thank you all and an equally amused and mysterious 'perhaps, perhaps not' to all of your questions.